I wouldn't imagine the NMNA has better resolution images of these particular photos, they do have thousands of originals but these photos have been floating around the internet for many years. Doesn't hurt to ask them though.

Mark

_________________In life's unforgiving arithmetic, we are the sum of our choices ...

I just completed the restoration of F6F-3 25910 and I want to correct the record on the Hellcat tail hook. It was actuated and retracted by an electric motor, chain and cable system. Later aircraft, such as the Panther/Cougar had a stinger actuator that would raise the hook, but it had to be unlocked and retracted manually by flight deck crewman using a welded pipe "basket'. although I never worked on the Bearcat--it appears to have the Hellcat's arrangement.

Thank you Mr. Allen. A friend just forwarded this sight to me and I was fascinated to see one of your photographs with Ensign John Hood in a FM2 wildcat. I believe this to be the same John Hood that ended up with P-38's in the Pacific theater and was a close friend of the family and godfather to my sister. Never seen this picture before as John was very private about his combat experiences. You appear close in the Santa Ynez Valley while I reside on the ranch near Lake Nacimiento. Just hosted one of the last ME-262 pilots here for a visit to the Concourse car show in Pebble Beach. He is 94 years young and was driving go-karts on my track.

Welcome Craig, glad you enjoy the place. Lots of nice stuff around here. And nice history on Ensign Hood, thanks much.And Ah yes! Lake Nacimiento. Know it well as I do a bit of boating there from time to time. Water's quite low right now Actually heading to Pebble Beach / Carmel this weekend. Lovely area up where you live and not far from me.

Once again welcome.

Mark

_________________In life's unforgiving arithmetic, we are the sum of our choices ...

Some/most of you may already know about this...A couple of weeks back I flew into Midway airport. Walking to the baggage claim, I wondered if there were any aircraft on display, like the F4F at O"Hare. Suddenly, there's a nice SBD!You could have knocked me over with a feather (as old folks used to say). I don't recall ever seeing a SBD before (if I did I suspect it was at Chino).

It also had some information on the two lake carriers.

I was surprised to say the least.

_________________Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.

Would love to hear more of your experiences, not only with the Wolverine, but with VF-12 as well. Since you qualified in late '42, were you in another squadron besides VF-12 or did you do two tours with VF-12?

Thanks in advance,

Mac

How do I reply? well, mac, here goes ... I was in Original Air group 12 formed in san diego in 1942, I was in VB-12for that tour ( they went aboard Saratoga, which forced a reduction in pilots ..I was left on shore...BAH) then in 1944 I joined VB-12 in Alameda, then to Fallon ,nevada...when the Navy increased fighter numbers I quickly volunteered!then the Navy decided to use marine F4U's on carriers and two divisions (8) of us were transferred to VF-12! back in sandiego, again! this time I was able to complete tour and enjoyed serving under Noel AM Gayler,FNMichaelis both later full admirals..one of my wingmen,Roy Bruce has chronicled our tour in "Crommelin'sThunderbirds" USNavalInstitute, and also Amazon books.HIGHLY recommended (by ME!)YES, my name is rex d thompson, listed in Crommelin's Thunderbirds, as LT. and served in post war years finally received Fighter squadron COMMAND, alas it came to an end when VISION failed...BAH!

Last edited by F6FDriver on Tue Oct 28, 2014 5:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions. I'll have to reread my copy of Crommelin's Thunderbirds. Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of any of Air Group 12's microfilmed squadron history or ACA-1s to go through. I'll have to rectify that situation ASAP.

If it wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience, I'm sure most of us (there are a few AAF fans here ) would be interested in hearing more of your experiences. Also, would you mind sharing your name with us.

A former ATA colleague of mine happened to send an email with a link to this page today thinking I would like the Corsair pictures because of my dad. Little did he know that my father, a Naval Aviator in WW2, learned to fly on and off carriers from the USS Wolverine. Great pictures and impressive research!

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